Receptacle attachment for spray guns



March 2, 1954 w, BEST 2,670,882

RECEPTACLE ATTACHMENT FOR SPRAY GUNS Filed Jan. 4, 1952 INVENTOR l/V/LL/AM L. 5557' ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 2, 1954 UNITED STATES vATENT GFFICE RECEPTACLE ATTACHMENT FOR SPRAY GUNS Claims.

This invention relates to an attachment for spray guns.

In the use lof spray guns for applying paint, etc., it has been the common practice to mount the spray gun itself on a cap directly attachable to a container. Obviously the cap and container are conventionally designed for mechanical connection with each other, and accordingly a conventional container cannot be used. A special container being required, therefore, it is necessary, in order to change toa different color paint, to disconnect the cap from the container and not only wipe or otherwise clean the paint from the cap, but also from the container. This involves a substantial loss of time and useless labor, particularly where a `number of small paint jobs are to be done with paints of different colors.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a spray gun attachment which permits the use of cheap conventional containers, such as empty' one-quart lubricating oil cans whichare thrown away every day in 'large numbers.

A further object is to provide novel means rfor `.connecting the spray guncap to an adapter by which the device may be connected to a conventional loW-cost container which, if desired,y may be discarded when empty, thus eliminating the necessity for' cleaning out the container .if a paint of a different color is to be applied'.

A further object is to provide a novel device or this character wherein the spray gun cap may be quickly removed from the adapter for' the refilling of the container, and kwherein the cap and' adapter may be quickly bodily removed from the container itself when it. is desired to utilize a new container.

A further object is to provide' novel means for supporting within the spray gun cap a conventional washer for sealing the cap relative tothe adapter, and wherein means is provided for vent- Ving the container to the atmosphere.

Other objects and advantages oi the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In thev drawing, I have shown onenembodiment of the invention. Inthis showing,

.Figure 1 ,isi a` side elevation showing the invention as applied to a conventional spray gun,

Figure-2- is anenlarged plan; view of the same. the spraysun being omitted,l

Figure. ,-3.v isa sectional view'l on line- 3-3 of meure@ the lower. portion of: :the container and liquid: rmtletpipevbeing` broken :twainl Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of the retainer for the washer in the cap, and

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 5 5 of Figure 2.

The present device is adapted for use in connection with a conventional spray gun which forms per se no part of the present invention, and accordingly has not been illustrated in detail. The spray gun has been generally indicated by the numeral I0 and is provided with a hand grip I I connected as at I2 to a source of air pressure vand operable by the pulling of a conventional trigger I3 to electthe delivery of a spray of paint or other liquid through a nozzle I 4. Paint or other material is delivered to the spray gun through a conventional pipe I5.

Spray guns of this type are conventionally provided with caps for attaching them to containers for the paint or other liquid. Such a cap is used in con-junction with the present device, but is not attached to the container but rather to an adapter for the container, which adapter is describedl in detail below. The cap is indicated by the .numeral I8 and is provided with a depending flange( I9', the purpose ofwhich is described below. The cap is associated with a yoke 20 having depending parallel arm portions 2| notched as at 22 for a purpose to be described, The yoke 2U includes a hub portion 23 in which is slidable a sleeve` 24 internally threaded to receive an externally threaded sleeve 25. The latter sleeve is rotatable around the upper end k2li of a paint supply pipe 21, the lower end of which conventionally is inclined from the vertical to extend into the container in the usual manner. The externally threaded sleeve 25 is provided with a laterally extending operating handle 28, rotation of which eifects threaded movement of the sleeve 25 in the sleeve 24. The upper end of the sleeve 25 bears against a stationary flange 29 carried by the pipe end 26 and the threading of the sleeve 25 thus transmits vertical movement to the yoke 2t to clamp the cap I8 in position. Above the ange 29, the outlet pipe is provided with a union 30 for connection with the pipe I5. The utilization of vertical movement of the sleeve 254 for clamping the cap I8 will be clear from the following description.

Within the cap I8 is arranged a resilient washer 34' of the conventional type normally engageable with the' upper end of the container in a device oil' this character. These washers are difvficult to retain in positior-i,l because paint or other liquid Iseepsbetween the washer and the 3. upper end of the container. The present device provides means for retaining the washer in position. This means comprises a relatively fiat frusto-conical member 35 which preferably possesses a slight degree of elasticity to permit its peripheral portion to seat squarely against the lower face of the washer 34. Beneath the member 35 is arranged preferably a resilient washer 35 held snugly against the member 35 by a nut 31 mounted on a threaded portion 3S of the paint outlet pipe 21. Between the cap I8 and the lower end of the sleeve 24 is arranged a nut 39 similarly threaded on the pipe portion 38. The nuts 31 and 39 serve to clamp together the assembly of the elements I8, 34 and 35, and they serve also to transmit to such unit vertical forces generated by the threading of the sleeve 25 in the sleeve 24.

The washer 34 is adapted to seat on the upper end of an adapter indicated as a whole by the numeral 42. This adapter comprises a generally cylindrical body 43, the upper end of which is surrounded by the ange I9 as shown in Figure '3. At a point spaced from its upper end, the body 43 of the adapter is provided with outstanding trunnions 44 engageable in the notches 22 of the arms 2I. The notches 22 face in opposite directions so as to provide for the quick detachment of the yoke 20 from the trunnions 44 upon rotation of the yoke 2o upon the loosening of the sleeve 25 by operation of the handle 28. This particular connecting means per se forms no part of the present invention.

The adapter 42 further comprises a preferably integral annular external flange 48, the lower surface of which is preferably perpendicular to the axis of the adapter. Against such face is arranged a resilient washer 49. Below the flange 48, the outer surface of the body of the adapter tapers slightly to decrease in diameter downwardly as at 50 for a purpose which will become apparent.

As previously stated, the present device is particularly intended to facilitate the use of such conventional low cost containers as onequart lubricating oil cans and the like. If such cans are employed, they actually may be obtained free of charge since they are discarded by vehicle service stations. Such a container is illustrated in Figures l and 3 and comprises a cylindrical body 54 having beaded connection at its upper and lower ends as at 55 and 53 respectively with the top and bottom of the can. The top of the can is cut away by that type of can opener which cuts annularly around the top of the can adjacent the bead 55, the can top being out away, for example along the line of the edge 56 in Figure 3. It is within the bead 55 that the lower end of the adapter is inserted into operative position as shown in Figure 3.

At diametrically opposite points, the adapter is provided with downwardly and outwardly inclined rigid brackets 58 preferably welded to the upper surface of the nange 48, which surface may slope downwardly and outwardly, as clearly shown in Figure 8. Each bracket 58 has its lower end bent substantially perpendicularly inwardly and downwardly as at 59 and has a clamping screw 58 threaded therethrough and provided with a pointed end BI adapted to engage beneath the adjacent portion of the bead 55. Each screw 50 is preferably provided with a relatively large knurled head 62 to facilitate manual turning movement of the clamping screw.

Spray guns of the type used with the prescrit apparatus usually operate on the ejector principle, in which case the interior of the container is vented to the atmosphere. This is true in the present case even though the washer clamping member 35 is used. Referring to Figure 5, it will be noted that the member 35 is provided with a vent opening 64 in registration with the opening through a thimble 65 which may project through an opening 68 in the cap I8. A small boss 61 (Figures 2 and 5) is welded or brazed to the cap I8 and provided with a vent passage 68 therethrough communicating with the interior of the thimble 65.

Operation The adapter 42 is readily connected to the upper end of a suitable can or other receptacle. The screws B0 are loosened to clear the bead 55 or any other type of bead with which the container may be provided. The lower end of the adapter is then slipped into the upper end of the can, the tapered surface 50 facilitating this operation. With the washer 49 seated on the top of the container, the screws 50 will be tightened to the position shown in Figure 3 by turning the knurled heads 52. With the top of the adapter open, the container 54 may be filled with paint or other liquid, or the container may be filled before the adapter is placed in position. If the adapter is first placed in position, a larger quantity of paint or other liquid may be poured into the device because of the substantial additional capacity afforded by the use of the adapter.

Assuming the handle 28 to be turned to a position in which the notches 22 are freely movable into engagementwith the trunnions 44, the cap I8 is applied to the top of the adapter with the yoke arms 2| turned slightly counterclockwise from the position shown in Figure 2 so that the lower ends of the arms 2| clear the trunnions 44. With the washer 34 in engagement with the top of the adapter, the handle 28 may be turned to move the sleeve 25 relatively upwardly with respect to the sleeve 24. With the upper end of the sleeve 25 engaging the flange 29, the turning of the sleeve 25 will effect a downward reaction, thus clamping the tops of the notches 22 in firm engagement with the trunnions 44. The device is then ready for operation in the conventional manner. The paint tube 21 has its lower end inclined as shown in Figure l so as to reach nearly to the bottom of the can to permit the ejection of substantially all of the liquid in the can.

If it is desired to rell the device with the same kind of paint or the like, the handle 28 is turned to release the binding engagement between the notches 22 and trunnions 44, whereupon the yoke 28 may be rotated counterclockwise to release the yoke arms 2l. The cap I8 then may be removed, the container refilled and the cap reapplied.

If one paint job is finished and it is desired to start another one with a paint of a different color, it is unnecessary to clean out the container 54. The screws 82 may be loosened and the adapter and all the elements carried thereby may be lifted bodily from the container and the latter may be set aside. If the container is empty or substantially empty, it merely may be thrown away. It is only necessary for the operator to wipe the interior of the adapter and the exterior of the pipe 21, whereupon the adapter may be ccnnectedto another container 54 containing the desired paint. The old paint may' be quickly# blown ontof the pipe 2;? andi the elements-1 leading to the nozzle Mithrough. the pulling; of the trigger t3, whereupon. the-.new paintjob. may be. started.

As previously stated. the usel of sealing means such as therwasher 34. is. conventiol'iezl,V but these devices are not ordinarily heldin position; and

.stood that other modications, in the specific structure of the linvention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as denned in the appended claims'.v

I claim:

1. In a power-operated spray gun device; an adapter of closed cross section open throughout its length and having open ends one of which is insertable in a container of a cross section corresponding to that of said adapter, said adapter having an annular external shoulder seatable `on the upper end of the container, means carried by said adapter and engageable with the container to nx said adapter to the container, and a releasable cap mounted on the other end of said adapter and having means for supporting a spray gun relative thereto with a supply pipe projecting into the container.

2. In a power-.operated spray gun device, an adapter of closed cross section open throughout its length and having open ends one of which is insertable n a container of a cross section corresponding to that of said adapter, said adapter having an annular external shoulder seatable on the upper end of the container, means carried by said adapter and engageable with the container to x said adapter to the container, a cap mounted on the other end of said adapter in leakproof engagement therewith, aY yoke mounted above and engaging said cap and provided with arms straddling said adapter, and means carried by said adapter above said shoulder and engageable with said arms -to fix said yoke in position relative to said cap and said adapter, said yoke having means for supporting a spray gun thereabove with a supply pipe projecting downwardly into the container.

3. In a spray gun device, an adapter of closed cross section open throughout its length and having open upper and lower ends the latter of which is insertable in the upper end of a container, said adapter having an annular external shoulder engageable with the upper end of the container, a pair of bracket elements carried by said adapter and having lower portions beneath said shoulder arranged outwardly of the container, screws carried by such lower portions of said brackets and engageable with the container to fix the latter relative to said adapter, a cap structure arranged over the upper end of said adapter, said cap structure comprising a cap element in sealing engagement with the upper end of said adapter and-a yoke arranged above said cap element and provided with arms having lower ends straddling said adapter above said'shoulder', means .carried by said adapter and engaging. said arms to:l x said yoke relativeto said adapten, and a supply pipe carried. by and projecting throughsaid cap structureandf having a lower end projecting into: the container.

4. In a. spray gun device, an adapter of' closed crosssectionhaving open upper and lower ends, said. adapter having an external annular flange engageable with the. upper end of a container with the lower end of said adapter projecting into: the container, releasable meansj carried by said flange and engageable with the container toI x. said adapter in position thereon, a cap over the: upper end: oft said adapter, a gasket.- arrangedbetween'. said cap.L and the upper end of said adapter, a supply pipe fixed withA respect to: said cap. andi projecting therethrough, said pipe having a lower end projecting. into the container, and means carried by said pipe and engageable; with said gasket to hold it in position in.v said cap when the latter is removed' from said adapter.,

5; In a spray gun device, a cylindrical adapter 'hav-ing. open upper and lower ends, saidf adapter being provided in a plane spaced from its lower end with an external flange adapted to seat on the upper end of a container, brackets carried by said adapter outwardly thereof and terminating in converging lower ends, a screw carried by and perpendicular to such lower end of each bracket and engageable with a container on which said flange seats, a cap for the upper end of said adapter, a gasket within said cap engageable with the upper end of said adapter, a supply pipe projecting through and iixed with respect to said cap and having a lower end projecting into the container, and means carried by said supply pipe and engageablo with said gasket to support it in position when said cap is removed from said adapter.

6. A device constructed in accordance with claim 5 wherein the means for retaining said gasket in position comprises an inverted frustoconical member surrounding and fixed with respect to said pipe and having engagement throughout its periphery with said gasket, said frusto-conical member having a vent opening and being provided with a thimble communicating with the interior of said adapter through said vent opening, said cap having a vent opening communicating with the interior of said thimble.

7. A spray gun adapter comprising a cylindrical body open throughout its length and having open upper and lower ends, said adapter having an external ange seatable on the upper open end of a container, means for fixing said adapter in position on a container, and a pair of diametrically arranged outstanding pins xed to said adapter above said iiange for connecting said adapter to a cap structure.

8. A spray gun adapter comprising a cylindrical body having open upper and lower ends, said body having an annular flange above the lower end thereof provided with a downwardly inclined upper surface, the outer surface of said adapter body beneath said liange being tapered to decrease in diameter downwardly to facilitate the insertion of the lower end of said body into the open upper end of a container, diametrically opposite brackets having upper ends lying on and secured to the upper surface of said iiange said brackets having lower converging ends, a screw threaded through and perpendicular to the lower end of each bracket for engagement with the container to fix it in position relative to said body, and means carried by said body for xing a cap structure relative thereto.

9. A spray gun adapter comprising an elongated body open throughout its length and having open upper and lower ends, means for securing the lower end of said body to the upper end of a container, a cap structure for said adapter, said structure comprising a cap element, an inverted misto-conical retainer therebeneath, a sealing gasket beneath said cap element and engaged by the peripheral portion of said retainer, means for effecting a clamping action of said cap element and said retainer toward each other to hold said sealing element in position, and means for securing said cap structure in position with respect to said adapter with said sealing element engaging the upper edge thereof,

10. A spray gun adapter comprising an elongated body open throughout its length and having open upper and lower ends, means for securing the lower end of said body to the upper end of a container, a cap structure for said adapter, said structure comprising a cap element, an inverted frusto-conical retainer therebeneath, a sealing gasket beneath said cap element and engaged by 8 t the peripheral portion of said retainer, a supply pipe extending through said cap element and said retainer, nuts threaded on said pipe respectively above said cap element and below said retainer to effect a clamping action between said cap element and said retainer to hold said sealing gasket in position against said cap element, and means for clamping said cap structure and said pipe in position with respect to said adapter with said sealing element engaging the upper edge of said adapter.

WILLIAM L. BEST.

References Cited in the ie of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 591,686 Peter Oct. 12, 1897 1,017,756 Head Feb. 20, 1912 2,178,964 Hulse Nov. 7, 1939 2,261,834 Morgan Nov. 4, 1941 2,508,597 Dalrymple May 23, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 320,144 Great Britain Oct. 10, 1929 641,092 France Apr. 10, 1928 

